Overview
The CFMEU ACT Branch is seeking a solicitor to join our industrial/legal team. The CFMEU represents over 2,000 construction workers in the ACT. The Union works to improve the lives of our members by bargaining for higher pay and conditions and ensuring workplace health and safety. The Union also campaigns on social justice issues that are relevant to our members more generally. For more information about the CFMEU see act.cfmeu.org.
The position is part of our small but active industrial/legal team giving the successful candidate the chance to work across all aspects of industrial, employment and WHS law. The position involves advocacy and appearance work in industrial courts and tribunals including the FWC, the Industrial Magistrates Court, the Federal Circuit and Family Court and the Federal Court. The Union's industrial/legal team has a proactive approach to litigation, often running matters in-house, and also briefing external counsel and firms as necessary.
Qualifications and experience
Qualifications and experience:
- Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with a current ACT practicing certificate (or interstate certificate with capacity to obtain ACT practicing certificate) (must have completed supervised legal practice requirements under s. 50 of the Legal Profession Act 2006 (ACT) or equivalent).
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Adobe and related programs
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Two years' post admission experience desirable
- Some litigation experience either as an instructor or advocate is desirable
- Employment, industrial or WHS law experience essential.
- Commitment to union values, including social justice, equity, and collective action.
Key responsibilities
Key responsibilities:
- Responsible for management of own legal caseload within branch legal team including:
- All aspects of case preparation, management and advocacy for appearances or instructing in courts and tribunals.
- Providing legal advice and assistance to CFMEU members, organisers and executive in the ACT regarding all manner of industrial and employment law matters, including workplace disputes, dismissals, underpayment claims, protected action ballots, industrial action, enterprise agreements and awards, right of entry etc
- Dealing with regulatory authorities (e.g. Fair Work Commission, WorkSafe ACT, Secure Local Jobs Registrar etc.)
- Interacting and liaising with legal/industrial officers from other CFMEU branches and other unions
- Researching and writing submissions to government and other bodies on policy/law reform issues that affect members of the CFMEU
- General legal practitioner duties.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Full Time Position
- 36-hour week RDO arrangement
- Salary Range $150,000 - $165,000 (plus superannuation and allowances)
- Allowances of approximately $22,000 pa
- 12% Superannuation
- $115 per week ACIRT contribution
- Income protection insurance
- Health and Wellness Benefits
- Paid Christmas Closure
Further information
Women and people from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should address the skills and experience criteria above in a written application and provide their current CV.
Apply by email to sbalnaves@cfmeu.org
Please contact Stephanie Balnaves for further information: sbalnaves@cfmeu.org.
Applications close 23 September 2025
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